russian council of ministers

The Russian Council of Ministers is an executive governmental body that brings together the principle officers of the Executive Branch of the Russian government.

Imperial Russia

The Ministries and the Committee of Ministers were created 1802 as part of Government reform of Alexander I. However, the Committee had little collective power and functioned as an advisory council to the Emperor as Head of the Government. The Tsar could preside over Committee meetings, but he usually appointed up to two Chairmen as his deputies. After Nicholas II issued the October Manifesto of 1906 granting civil liberties and a national legislature (Duma and reformed State Council), the Committee was replaced with a Council of Ministers, a real cabinet with its Chairman acting as Prime Minister. As a result, from 1905 until 1917 the Council of Ministers collectively decided the government's policy, tactical direction and served as a buffer between the Emperor and the national legislature.

Soviet Union

The Sovnarkom of the RSFSR was the basis for all Soviet governments, including both Union and republican levels, until 1946, when all of the Sovnarkoms were renamed Council of Ministers. With the leading role of the CPSU fixed in Stalin Constitution of 1936, the govermnents were little more than the executive bodies of the Central Committee of the CPSU. The leading role was also fixed in Soviet Constitution of 1977 and was not overruled until 1991.

Russian Federation

After the fall of the Soviet Union the Russian Council of Ministers became the chief body of administration for the President of the Russian Federation. At times it consisted of as many as 60 ministries and state committes and up to 12 Vice-Premiers. After the 2004 reform, Government duties were split between 17 Ministries, 7 Federal Services and over 30 governmental Agencies; only one Deputy to the Premier is appointed. The Chairman of the Council of Ministers is appointed by the Russian President and confirmed by the State Duma. The Chairman is second in line to succeed to the Presidency of Russia if the current President dies, is incompacitated or resigns.